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Why does the Gemara (גמרא) forbid using poor-quality wicks for Chanukah (חנוכה) lights even on weekdays, not just Shabbos (שבת)? The shiur distinguishes between weekday restrictions (l'chatchila preference) and Shabbos prohibitions (ma'akev due to flame-adjustment concerns). This analysis reveals that hadlakah fulfills the mitzvah (מצוה) immediately, while sustained burning is a separate requirement affecting hiddur candles differently.
This shiur examines Gemara (גמרא) Shabbos (שבת) 21a, focusing on Rav's teaching that wicks and oils forbidden for Shabbos candles cannot be used for Chanukah (חנוכה) lights either. The Gemara states 'ain madlikin hem b'Chanukah' - one may not kindle them for Chanukah, whether on Shabbos or weekdays. Rabbi Zweig analyzes Tosafos (תוספות)' question about why the Gemara needs to specify both Shabbos and weekdays if the reasoning is identical. The discussion centers on understanding 'kaf zeh zakuk la' - that these wicks may go out - and 'mutar l'hishtamesh l'ohr' - that one is permitted to use the light. Rabbi Zweig suggests that during weekdays, the restriction is only l'chatchila (preferably avoided), whereas on Shabbos it becomes a ma'akev (absolute prohibition) due to concerns about adjusting flickering flames.
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Shabbos 21a
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